What are the Best Probiotics for Dogs With Diarrhea?

  • Best Overall Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea: Honest Paws Pre+Probiotics
    This is our top pick when it comes to the best probiotics for dogs with diarrhea as it improves the immune system, reduces bad breath, and regulates diarrhea.
  • Best Natural Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea: Open Farm’s Probiotic Supplement Chews
    Uses vet-recommended formulas with only 100% traceable and functional ingredients.
  • Best Probiotics for Puppies with Diarrhea: PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs
    This probiotic is suitable for puppies and adult dogs thanks to its safe formulation that improves your pet’s health overall.
  • Best Soft Chew Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea: PetHonesty Digestive Probiotic Soft Chews
    With 6 Billion CFUs in every serving, this premium soft chew supports proper digestion and improves bowel health.
  • Best Advanced Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea: Doggie Dailies Probiotics for Dogs
    Available in a delicious duck flavor, this advanced probiotic improves your dog’s health with the help of beneficial live bacteria in the gut.
  • Most Innovative Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea: Bernie’s Perfect Poop Digestion Probiotic Supplement
    These innovative probiotics for dogs with diarrhea are available in a variety of flavors and package sizes, leaving you spoilt for choice.
  • Most Convenient Probiotics for Dog with Diarrhea: Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs
    This probiotic powder prevents microbial overgrowth, eliminates harmful pathogens, and is available in a convenient package.
  • Most Functional Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea: Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs
    Suitable for occasional diarrhea and bowel support, you can expect healthy dogs after giving them these highly functional probiotics for dogs with diarrhea. 
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Honest Paws Pre+ Probiotics
10/10Our Score
  • Supports digestive and immune health
  • Can aid in alleviating the impact of seasonal allergies
  • Promotes a robust immune system, encourages healthy gut flora, and helps facilitate smooth digestion

Do Probiotics Help with Diarrhea in Dogs?

Yes, probiotics for dogs with diarrhea help.

If your dog suffers from diarrhea, probiotics can offer you a solution to the problem. Studies show that probiotics for dogs with diarrhea help regulate gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics can help decrease the duration and the intensity of diarrhea, thus decreasing the dog’s discomfort.

Plus, according to a study on growing puppies, probiotics were proved to be completely safe, and the supplementation was tagged “well tolerated with no safety concerns.”

Therefore, it is easy to understand that probiotics offer a safe solution to counter problems related to gut health, intestinal health, and digestive issues while causing minimal side effects.

In addition to a healthy gut, here are some of the benefits of probiotics for dogs with diarrhea:

  • Food Allergy Management. Probiotics help increase the number of good bacteria in your dog’s gut and digestive tract. As a result, it becomes easier to control diarrhea and loose stool. If your dog is prone to allergies because of a sensitive stomach, probiotics can help too.
  • Body Relaxation. One of the key health benefits of probiotics is their ability to relax the muscles of your dog. This helps the digestive system work efficiently and therefore reduces bloating.
  • Anxiety Prevention. If your dog is anxious most of the time or suffers from separation anxiety, probiotics can help a long way. By eliminating constipation and bowel diseases, probiotics keep your dog more active which reduces anxiety.
  • Improved Mood. If your dog is relaxed physically, it is certain that their temperament is also better. Probiotics help elevate mood and control emotions in your dog. This is important for a dog cramping due to stomach pain and diarrhea.

Can Probiotics Make Dog Diarrhea Worse?

Yes, probiotics can make diarrhea worse.

There have been cases where probiotics made the situation worse. This usually occurs when the probiotics are introduced suddenly, in large amounts, or if the probiotic supplement contains an ingredient the dog is sensitive to.

Some common side effects of dog probiotics include constipation, bloating, and gas. The original symptoms might also become worse before they get better. This is just your dog’s body adjusting to the probiotic.

How do Probiotics for Dog Diarrhea Work?

Dog probiotics offer dietary benefits by improving the number of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut. Different strains of beneficial bacteria work for different Gi tract issues and diarrhea causes.

For example, Enterococcus faecium helps with stress-triggered diarrhea and works against certain diarrhea-causing pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Lactobacillus plantarum manages diarrhea in general, and Bifidobacterium animalis helps with idiopathic canine diarrhea.

Bacillus coagulans is helpful in managing antibiotic-caused, rotaviral, and “traveler’s” diarrhea, and Saccharomyces boulardii works for antibiotic-triggered diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

The Best Probiotics for Dog Diarrhea Reviewed

There are dozens of probiotics for dogs with diarrhea on the market. This makes it hard for dog owners to find the right product for their dogs. To simplify things, we have reviewed the best probiotics for dogs with diarrhea.

Honest-Paws-Probiotics-for-dogs.jpg

Summary: This is among the top-rated probiotics for dogs on platforms such as Amazon. It is made using premium ingredients for unrivaled effectiveness. It also stimulates the growth of beneficial gut flora. It also contains digestive fiber that boost overall well-being, immunity, and mood. Finally, the product has been custom-formulated to suit your dog’s needs.

Recommended Uses: Bacterial imbalance, stomach troubles, dog bad breath, immunity booster, and mood regulation

Ingredient Analysis

  • Inulin: A starchy type of prebiotic that stays in the intestines and helps good bacteria grow
  • Solarplast: Spinach leaf extract and is loaded with dietary fiber
  • Rice Extract Blend: Adds beneficial carbohydrates and fiber to your dog’s diet. However, it can be an allergen for some dogs.

Probiotics Strains: Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactobacillus plantarum

Pros
  • Formulated with both dog probiotics and prebiotics
  • Helps regulate diarrhea, loss of appetite, and constipation
  • Increases natural antibodies
  • Contains superior ingredients
  • Boost overall well-being
Cons
  • Could lead to an allergic reaction in some dogs

Review: These probiotics for dogs with diarrhea promote healthy aging and helps your dog lead an active lifestyle. It is rich in antioxidants that provide a much-needed health boost.

open farm probiotic

Summary: From irregular digestion to loose stools or diarrhea, each Probiotic soft chew from Open Farm was made to help support your dog’s normal gut flora and bowel movement using vet-recommended formulas with only 100% traceable and functional ingredients. Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20.

Recommended Uses: Stomach/intestinal health, immune support, and allergy relief for dogs

Ingredient Analysis: 

  • Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and helps support digestive health.
  • Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants, hence aiding healthy digestion. 

Probiotics Strains: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, L. Casei, L. fermentum, L. Reuteri, L. Plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bacillus coagulans. These probiotics help support healthy digestion and gut health.

Pros
  • 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20
  • Helps promote healthy digestion & gut health
  • Supports normal gut flora & bowel movement
  • Boosts healthy immune function
  • Has 90 delicious soft chews
  • 100% traceable ingredients
Cons
  • No significant cons

Review: Due to its numerous advantages to a dog’s digestive health, this recipe has received an above-satisfactory review from many dog owners on Amazon, earning 4.8 out of 5 stars. To quote one happy customer, “Since we added these to our golden’s daily routine, he hasn’t had any bowel issues. I definitely recommend.”

PetLab-Co.-Dog-Probiotic

Summary: These probiotic chews contain a unique blend of antioxidants & live microorganisms, which increase the number of good bacteria in your dog’s stomach. Made using a mouth-watering pork flavor, these chews are easy to use and easily absorbed. They are perfect for small puppies and older dogs as well. You can also expect to see a better coat on your dog and less itchiness on the skin.

Recommended Uses: Stomach troubles, immune response, and mood regulation

Ingredient Analysis

  • Agave (Inulin): Powerful ingredient that is rich in fiber. As a result, it can improve several aspects of the digestive system
  • Pumpkin: Adds dietary fiber and supports the growth of healthy bacteria and yeasts
  • Honey: Honey is considered a great immunity booster. It is also known to regulate mood as it contains several antioxidants
  • Salmon Oil: Contains fatty acids, which not only improve immunity and digestive health but also cognitive abilities

Probiotics Strains: Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Streptococcus thermophilus

Pros
  • Increases natural antibodies
  • Contains superior ingredients
  • Helps regulate diarrhea, loss of appetite, and constipation
  • Boost overall well-being
  • Prevents itchy skin
Cons
  • Single-strain probiotic formula

Review: Made using world-class ingredients, these probiotics for dogs with diarrhea are manufactured in the USA in FDA-registered facilities. This makes them safe to use on all dogs.

PetHonesty Digestive Probiotic Soft Chews

Summary: These soft chews are not only delicious, but they also have added health benefits. It not only supports proper digestion and bowel health but also builds immunity in your dog. Additionally, it contains no wheat, GMOs, corn, soy, sugar, and harsh preservatives. The key selling point of this product is that it is more like a treat than a supplement, thanks to its signature taste.

Recommended Uses: Stomach troubles, immune response, and mood regulation

Ingredient Analysis

  • Carrots: Rich in antioxidants and helps build improved immunity in your dog. It also contains fiber that supports your dog’s digestive health.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Great source of carbohydrates that give your dog energy to play all day. However, it might not suit some dogs.
  • Flaxseed: Source of iron and also contains a significant amount of fiber. This helps improve your dog’s digestion and can also control diarrhea to an extent.

Probiotics Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Enterococcus faecium

Pros
  • Helps with diarrhea and constipation
  • Increases natural antibodies
  • Builds immunity
  • Reduces vomiting, and upset stomachs
  • Supports easier digestion
Cons
  • The flavor might not suit some dogs

Review: These probiotics for dogs with diarrhea product has a soothing effect on your dog’s digestion, stomach, and GI tract. It is manufactured in the USA in a GMP-certified facility.

Doggie Dailies Probiotics for Dogs

Summary: This product contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotics that help support your dog’s digestion. They also help to maintain gut flora and provide nutritional support for the gastrointestinal mucosa. As a result, this improves bowel movement and helps with easier nutrient absorption. The brand also offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product.

Recommended Uses: Bacterial imbalance, stomach troubles, and immune response

Ingredient Analysis

  • Duck: This is the flavoring agent of the probiotic. Thanks to a delicious flavor, your dog will not be able to resist this.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potato adds carbohydrates and fiber to the product. However, it might not suit some dogs.
  • Carrot: Healthy vegetable as it contains beneficial antioxidants and supports digestion thanks to its high fiber content.

Probiotics Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus lactis

Pros
  • Increases natural antibodies
  • Contains superior ingredients
  • Reduce diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomachs
  • Helps with easier digestion
  • Boost overall well-being
Cons
  • Some dogs dislike the flavor

Review: Available in two prominent flavors, these probiotics for dogs with diarrhea are sure to be a hit with your pet dog. It contains five strains of probiotics that are known to support digestive health in dogs.

Bernie’s Perfect Poop Digestion Probiotic Supplement

Summary: The constituent ingredients are natural, grain-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Additionally, the product has been manufactured in the USA. This probiotic is a 4-in-1 solution that offers Fibers, Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Enzymes in one package. These four ingredients ensure that your probiotic has a high fiber content that helps improve digestion and regulate diarrhea.

Recommended Uses: Bacterial imbalance, stomach troubles, and immune response

Ingredient Analysis:

  • Dried Pumpkin: Great source of antioxidants and also contains fiber which improves digestive health
  • Flaxseed: Source of nutrients and minerals. However, it might not suit some dogs
  • Digestive Enzymes: Protease, amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, lipase, papin, and bromelain

Probiotics Strains: Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans

Pros
  • Helps with diarrhea and constipation
  • Improves nutrient absorption
  • Strengthens the immune response
  • Prevents itchy skin
  • Mood regulation
Cons
  • Probiotic strains from the same family

Review: These probiotics for dogs with diarrhea are great for allergies, itching, licking fur, infections, lethargy, weight loss, mood disbalance, and sensitive stomach.

purina proplan veterinary supplements

Summary: This probiotic is great for pets suffering from diarrhea and poor intestinal health. Additionally, it also promotes a healthy immune system by regulating the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut. This probiotic is great for dogs of all ages, especially if they suffer from diarrhea. Furthermore, this product is recommended by veterinarians.

Recommended Uses: Bacterial imbalance, stomach troubles, and immune response

Ingredient Analysis

  • Liver Flavor: Makes the supplement more palatable but can cause allergies in some dogs
  • Vitamin E Supplement: Helps improve skin health, and eye health, and also builds immunity to fight off common diseases.
  • Zinc Proteinate: Helps to maintain adequate levels of zinc in your dog’s body.

Probiotics Strains: Enterococcus faecium

Pros
  • Helps with nutrient absorption
  • Increases natural antibodies
  • Prevents itchy skin
  • Available in powder form
  • Contains superior ingredients
Cons
  • Single-strain probiotic formula

Review: These probiotics for dogs with diarrhea promote normal intestinal microflora in your pup. As a result, there is a lot less flatulence and bloating. Plus, these probiotics for dogs with diarrhea are easy to use. 

Zesty paws probiotics bites

Summary: This probiotic contains DE111, which is a clinically studied Bacillus subtilis (probiotic). This ingredient is known to support canine gut health, bowel movement, and immune function. The product is made in such a way that it coats your dog’s gut with beneficial bacteria. This improves their immunity, reduces itching, and boosts digestion.

Recommended Uses: Stomach troubles, immune response, and mood regulation

Ingredient Analysis:

  • Pumpkin: Great source of antioxidants and also contains fiber which improves digestive health
  • Flaxseed: Source of nutrients and minerals

Probiotics Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococcus lactis, and Bacillus subtilis

Pros
  • Increases natural antibodies
  • Contains superior ingredients
  • Helps with nutrient absorption
  • Boost overall well-being
  • Manages common GI tract issues
Cons
  • Could lead to an allergic reaction in some dogs

Review: These probiotics for dogs with diarrhea contain six strains of probiotics that ensure proper gut flora to support normal digestion. They are made using a flavor that will be loved by most dogs.

How Long does it Take for Probiotics to Work in Dogs with Diarrhea?

The time it takes for a particular probiotic to work depends on a range of factors. This includes the diarrhea trigger, probiotic ingredients, and quality.

For instance, if the cause of diarrhea is diet change or stress, you can expect the probiotic to work from the first or second dose.

However, if your dog has a more complicated digestive health issue like IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), it might take a while for the probiotics for dogs with diarrhea to show their full potential.

Best Seller
PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs
9/10Our Score
  • Formulated to deliver digestive support, promote healthy yeast production, and encourage a normal immune response. 
  • Contains healthy ingredients and 8 strains of beneficial bacteria that work as a digestive aid, optimize skin health, and support coat comfort.
  • Easy to use on either young puppies or senior dogs.

How do I Use Probiotics for My Dog’s Diarrhea?

Probiotics for dogs with diarrhea are an excellent addition to the treatment plan – they are efficient and safe. Plus, probiotics for dogs with diarrhea can be combined with other anti-diarrhea treatments.

Bland Diet for Dog Diarrhea. A good place to start with your dog’s diarrhea is a bland diet. The bland diet consists of plain boiled chicken meat and white rice. Instead of chicken, you can use lean hamburger or turkey meat. A dog with diarrhea should be offered frequent but small-sized bland diet portions.  

Canned Pumpkin for Dog Diarrhea. Canned pumpkin does wonders when it comes to loose stool management in dogs. Just add between ½ and four tablespoons of canned pumpkin into your dog’s food. Also, make sure you use plain canned pumpkin versions (free from spiced and artificial sweeteners). 

Pepto Bismol for Dog Diarrhea. Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is an OTC human-grade stomach soother. In vet medicine, it is used “off-label” and considered first aid for managing loose stools and diarrhea. Available in two forms (liquid and tablets), Pepto Bismol is a fast-acting med and can yield improvement in as little as 24 hours. 

Vets Preferred Advanced Anti-Diarrhea for Dogs. The fast-acting absorbent action helps alleviate the irritation, discomfort, and cramping associated with dog diarrhea within 2-3 days and doesn’t require a prescription. 

Antibiotics for Dog Diarrhea. Antibiotics are necessary when the diarrhea bout is triggered by an infectious agent, usually pathogenic bacteria. However, the decision to use antibiotics is something you should discuss with your trusted veterinarian. Plus, antibiotics are prescription medications, meaning a vet consult is warranted. 

How do I Choose the Best Probiotic for Dog Diarrhea?

Choosing the best probiotics for dogs with diarrhea can be tricky – the labels are often inaccurate, and the claims are exaggerated. Here are some of the things you need to consider when shopping for the best probiotics for dogs with diarrhea:  

  • Different Bacteria Strains. When it comes to diarrhea management, you need a probiotic with various strains of good bacteria. This is because different bacteria help with different types of diarrhea. 
  • Colony Forming Units (CFU). The general rule of the thumb is that dogs need between 1 and 4 billion CFUs per day. However, some diarrhea causes may require a dog probiotic with more than 4 billion CFUs. 
  • Additional Health-Boosting Ingredients. The more synergistic ingredients added to the probiotic formula, the better. For example, to thrive and support the dog’s gut, probiotics need prebiotics. Therefore, many probiotic products include prebiotics. Some even add vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants. 
  • No Fillers, Allergens, and GMOs. Same as with dog food, certain ingredients should not be found on a probiotic’s ingredient list. Cheap fillers (corn, wheat, grain), potential allergens (soy, gluten, dairy), and GMO ingredients can worsen your dog’s diarrhea.
  • Dog-Friendly Form and Flavor. Probiotics for dogs with diarrhea come in various forms (powders, probiotic chews, liquids) and dog-friendly flavors (chicken, beef, peanut butter). There are no rules to which combination is best – choose what you and your dog like most. 
  • The Probiotic Manufacturer. Before purchasing probiotics for dogs with diarrhea, make sure you check the brand. A trustworthy brand will be transparent about its ingredients. Also, it will showcase reviews by other customers and, if confident in the quality of its products, offer a money-back guarantee. 

Keep in mind that certain human foods are natural probiotics and can be used for dogs. The most popular examples are Greek yogurt and traditional kefir. 

Finally, we should note that commercially available human probiotics should not be given to dogs because the good bacteria in probiotics are species-specific. Plus, human probiotics feature more live cultures than dogs can handle. And, sometimes, probiotics for humans include ingredients that are toxic to dogs (like the artificial sweetener – xylitol).